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Casa de Esperanza was founded more than 30 years ago to serve the growing Latin@population in the Twin Cities region as a shelter from domestic violence. Over time Casa de Esperanza has evolved from primarily being a service-oriented domestic violence shelter to using a more proactive engagement approach that puts Latin@ communities at the center of challenging violence in relationships. This innovative work has led to Casa de Esperanza’s recognition and designation as the national resource center on domestic violence and Latin@ communities.

An experienced event planner wondering how to connect new constituencies to critical community conversations. An animal advocate struggling with working across cultures to prevent animal cruelty. A state employee charged with seeking community input on issues that have largely already been decided. An artist bridging the roles of community member and practitioner.

These were just a few of the community engagement professionals who attended the Building the Field of Community Engagement initiative’s final Engaged Learning Series event of 2015. Several dozen people gathered in North Minneapolis in September for the event titled Advancing Our Practice: Sharing Strategies and Expertise. The event gave community engagement practitioners a space to explore challenges with their peers, as well as to brainstorm possible solutions and action strategies to test in their work.

The Lyndale Neighborhood Association (LNA) is a diverse, community-driven organization located in the heart of Minneapolis. LNA brings community members together to work on common issues and opportunities to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live, work, and play in a safe, vibrant, and sustainable community.

Community at the Center

View our 18-minute video, illustrating four principles of community engagement which guide the work of all the partners in the Building the Field of Community Engagement initiative.

Nexus developed the "Building the Field of Community Engagement" (BTF) initiative along with the Native American Community Development Institute, Casa de Esperanza, the Cultural Wellness Center, Hope Community, and Lyndale Neighborhood Association.

Building the Field of Community Engagement

Building the Field of Community Engagement is a collaborative initiative designed to magnify and elevate the power of community engagement to change the way problems are solved and resources are invested.

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Building the Field of Community Engagement is a collaborative initiative designed to magnify and elevate the power of community engagement to change the way problems are solved and resources are invested.

Vision: Community engagement is valued, understood, practiced, and well resourced.

An initiative of Nexus Community Partners, funded by the John S & James L. Knight Foundation, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation, and the Bush Foundation.